Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia

Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in nurse anesthesia concentration prepares students as expert clinicians for every stage and setting in which anesthesia is delivered to patients. Students gain hands-on experience in a variety of regional (neuraxial and peripheral block) and general anesthesia techniques under the supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists and MD faculty. From routine surgical cases, to trauma, to major burn situations, you'll work on a variety of scenarios to expertly prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead.

In addition to becoming skilled clinicians, graduates are prepared to be healthcare leaders who can care for a variety of patients within their specialty, while using a cross-population perspective to assess, manage, and evaluate common problems. Graduates will apply knowledge about organizations, business management, information technology, and policy-making to improve systems of healthcare delivery. They are also prepared to assume a variety of leadership roles, including executive positions in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and university-based faculty positions with a clinical focus.

The Fairfield University Nurse Anesthesia Program was accredited in 2010 by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for a period of ten years extending to 2020. Individuals requesting additional information can contact the council at 222 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, Ill. 60068-4001 or phone (847) 655-1160. View a complete list of COA accredited programs.

The first time board pass rates in 2017 were 92% with a 100% second time pass rate. The attrition rate for the most recent graduating class is 7%, 1 out of 14. All graduates have been employed by the date of graduation.

This cohort program begins once each year in May.

The application deadline is August 1st of each year. Applications must be fully completed by the deadline to be considered for review.

We will begin accepting applications for Summer 2020 starting January 1, 2019.

Information Session

Admission

We will begin accepting applications for Summer 2020 starting January 1, 2019.

Nurse Anesthesia applicants must meet the following requirements before applications will be processed:

A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2 with a science GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Two semesters of biology, at least one semester of chemistry, one semester of microbiology, and one semester of college math. Physics is strongly recommended. (Anatomy and Physiology meets the Biology Requirement.)

Registered Nurse license to practice in the United States at the time of application. A Connecticut Registered Nurse license will be required upon admission.

A minimum of one year’s experience as a Registered Nurse in a current critical care setting is required (ER does not fulfill this criteria - see program sheet for full list). The one year of critical care experience must be current.

Current BCLS, ACLS, & PALS certification (must be maintained while in the program). Please note the program only accepts certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross. No other certification programs will be accepted.

CCRN certification is required.

*GREs are no longer required.

Applications are reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee. Students seeking admission must submit:

Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluating service.

Two recommendations, including one from your current supervisor and one other from an individual who can assess your clinical expertise in an acute care setting.

A three page, double-spaced personal statement stating your career goals and future contributions to the profession of nurse anesthesia.

A professional resume or CV.

Copy of current RN license; licensure to practice in the state of Connecticut will be required upon admission.

BCLS, ACLS and PALS certification.

CCRN certification.

Applications must be complete with all documents received by the date of the application deadline to be considered.

Faculty

At Fairfield, our dedicated faculty play a critical role in our student’s personal and moral development as healthcare providers. Meet the faculty and staff at The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies.

Clinical Affiliations

Students obtain their clinical experience at four approved clinical sites within a 40-mile radius of Bridgeport, CT. The majority of the clinical opportunities are provided at Bridgeport Hospital, the parent institution for the nurse anesthesia program. Students gain hands on experience with general, regional, and peripheral nerve block techniques under the close supervision of a supportive team of CRNA and MD clinical faculty. In addition to routine cases, our nurse anesthesia students gain experience in trauma, major burn, and high-risk obstetrical cases. Enrichment rotations are provided at our other off-site locations. Students are likely to rotate to each of these sites at least once during their clinical rotations.

Accreditations & History

Fairfield University and BHNAP is fully accredited by The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through Fall 2020.

Fairfield University is fully accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Our 36-month program offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) through Fairfield University, and a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia through Bridgeport Hospital. Upon graduation, the student will be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination (NCE) to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

1963 - The Bridgeport Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia opened in conjunction with Bridgeport Anesthesia Associates.

1964 – 1st graduating class consisted of only 2 students.

1985 – The program became affiliated with the Graduate Biology Department at Southern Connecticut State University. Students graduated with a Masters Degree in Biology and a certificate in Nurse Anesthesia.

2007 – The program left its affiliation with Southern and paired with Fairfield University. Students graduated with a Masters in Nursing (MSN).

2011 – The program accepted its first Doctoral class. Students are now awarded their Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) upon completion of the program.

2012 – The program partnered with Waterbury Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital to provide clinical experiences to our SRNAs.

2013 – The last MSN cohort graduated.

2014 – The first DNP cohort graduated.

2014 – Danbury Hospital became a clinical site for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the DNP required for the Nurse Anesthesia program?

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), safe nursing practice in today's increasingly complex health care system requires improved translation of scientific evidence into practice. With a DNP, you'll be able to assume a leadership role in an increasingly complex healthcare system during this critical era of healthcare reform.

The future of nursing rides on the DNP, and the shift in the industry is occurring right now. Members of AACN voted in 2004 to support advanced practice nursing at the doctoral level. The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) have mandated a practice doctorate for entry into practice by 2025. All Master’s programs must close or transition by 2022. For more information on the DNP, visit AACN.

How many students does the program accept each year?

15/year

What is the program’s board pass rate?

The nurse anesthesia program’s NCE Board pass rates meet the Council on Accreditation's benchmark. The first time pass rate for 2017 was 92% and for 2016 was 91%, with a 100% second-time pass rate.

What is the program’s attrition rate?

The Nurse Anesthesia program has had an attrition rate of approximately 6% over the past 5 years.

Can I work during the program?

The nurse anesthesia program is a FULL-TIME PROGRAM requiring an extensive time commitment to complete the rigorous clinical and academic requirements. It requires personal and social sacrifices for both the student and his/her support systems.

Students should expect to spend approximately 60 hours/week engaging in program related activities once clinical practica begin. This does NOT include study time or class preparation.

Decisions to continue working must be made by the individual student but the program administration highly discourages full-time employment.

What financial support is available to students enrolled in the program?

All students enrolled in the nurse anesthesia program carry a full-time credit load and are therefore eligible for financial aid throughout the program.

There is limited federal grant money in the form of HRSA-Nurse Anesthesia Traineeship Grants, depending upon the fiscal year and award received by the university.

What expenses will I incur above the cost of tuition (Fees are subject to change)?